Glo Fiber to Expand in Blacksburg, Virginia with Acquisition of WideOpen Blacksburg Network

Rhea-AI Summary

Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (SHEN) announced the acquisition of WideOpen Blacksburg's assets and operations, expanding its Glo Fiber service in Blacksburg, Virginia. The deal, expected to complete by mid-July 2025, will integrate WideOpen Blacksburg's existing gigabit fiber network into Shentel's infrastructure. Glo Fiber provides 100% fiber broadband with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps, leveraging Shentel's 17,200-mile regional fiber network. The service offers high-speed internet, phone service, video service, and Whole Home Wi-Fi across Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Delaware, with a focus on superior local customer service and no long-term contracts.

Positive

• Strategic acquisition expands Glo Fiber's presence in the Blacksburg market
• Integration of existing gigabit fiber network infrastructure reduces deployment costs
• Leverages Shentel's extensive 17,200-mile regional fiber network
• Offers competitive high-speed service with up to 5 Gbps symmetrical speeds

Negative

• None.

Insights

Telecommunications Industry Analyst

Shentel's strategic acquisition of WideOpen Blacksburg strengthens its fiber footprint in Virginia, enhancing its competitive position in the regional broadband market.

Shentel's acquisition of WideOpen Blacksburg represents a strategic expansion of its Glo Fiber service in a key Virginia market. This transaction aligns perfectly with Shentel's ongoing fiber expansion strategy in smaller markets and rural communities, where competition is typically less intense than urban centers.

The deal offers immediate network infrastructure without the time and capital expenditure typically required for new fiber builds. By acquiring an established operation running since 2017, Shentel gains not only physical network assets but also an existing customer base and local market presence.

From a competitive standpoint, this move strengthens Shentel's position against both regional and national providers. The company's emphasis on symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps and contract-free pricing indicates a focus on service quality differentiators rather than just price competition.

The timing is particularly noteworthy as the broadband industry faces increasing consolidation pressures. Smaller operators like WideOpen often struggle with the capital requirements for ongoing network upgrades and expansion, creating acquisition opportunities for mid-sized regional players like Shentel.

This transaction reflects the ongoing evolution of the telecom landscape where fiber deployment continues to be a strategic priority for providers seeking sustainable competitive advantages in an increasingly bandwidth-hungry consumer and business environment.

EDINBURG, Va., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (“Shentel”, Nasdaq: SHEN) announced plans to expand Glo Fiber service in Blacksburg, Virginia with a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Blacksburg Broadband LLC, which operates under the name WideOpen Blacksburg. The acquisition is anticipated to be complete by early to mid-July.

WideOpen Blacksburg’s President, Dr. Andrew Cohill, stated, “I am confident that Glo Fiber is going to provide outstanding customer service and great fiber-delivered Internet to our customers. We anticipate a smooth transition to Glo Fiber starting in July.”

“We are excited to invest in and build upon the outstanding broadband service that the WideOpen Blacksburg team has been providing since 2017. WideOpen Blacksburg’s gigabit fiber network is a perfect fit to further expand our Glo Fiber service in the Blacksburg area,” stated Ed McKay, Shentel’s Chief Operating Officer.

Glo Fiber, powered by Shentel, provides 100% fiber broadband services to residential and commercial customers with super-fast, symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps). Fiber-to-the-home technology and Shentel’s 17,200-mile regional fiber network enable Glo Fiber to deliver high speeds, low latency, and unparalleled internet reliability. The company has earned a reputation for providing superior local customer service across its markets, including the growing list of communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Delaware. In addition to high-speed internet, Glo Fiber offers phone service, video service, and Whole Home Wi-Fi for a seamless connection anywhere in your home or business.

As a leading broadband internet provider serving smaller markets and rural communities, Glo Fiber takes great pride in several key competitive differentiators:

• 100% fiber-to-the-home technology with exceptional reliability
• Symmetrical download and upload speeds of up to 5 Gbps
• Easy, straight-forward pricing with no long-term contracts
• Prompt, local customer service

To learn more about Glo Fiber, please visit www.glofiber.com/en/local/va/blacksburg for residential service and www.glofiberbusiness.com for commercial service.

About Glo Fiber
Glo Fiber provides next-generation fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) multi-gigabit broadband internet access, live streaming TV, and digital phone service powered by Shentel (Nasdaq: SHEN). With services now available to approximately 363,000 homes and businesses, Glo Fiber offers reliable, symmetrical broadband service using state-of-the-art technology, including XGS-PON 10 Gbps networks.

About Shenandoah Telecommunications
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (Shentel) provides broadband services through its high speed, state-of-the-art fiber optic and cable networks to residential and commercial customers in eight contiguous states in the eastern United States. Shentel’s services include: broadband internet, video, voice, high-speed Ethernet, dark fiber leasing, and managed network services. The Company owns an extensive regional network with over 17,200 route miles of fiber. For more information, please visit www.shentel.com.

Media Contact:
Jennifer McDowell
Jennifer.McDowell@emp.shentel.com
540-984-5055

FAQ

What is the acquisition price for WideOpen Blacksburg by Shentel (SHEN)?

The acquisition price was not disclosed in the press release.

When will Shentel (SHEN) complete the WideOpen Blacksburg acquisition?

The acquisition is expected to be completed by early to mid-July 2025.

What internet speeds does Glo Fiber offer in Blacksburg?

Glo Fiber offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second (Gbps).

What services will Glo Fiber provide in Blacksburg after the acquisition?

Glo Fiber will provide high-speed internet, phone service, video service, and Whole Home Wi-Fi for homes and businesses.

In which states does Glo Fiber currently operate?

Glo Fiber operates in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Delaware.